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Friday, December 20, 2013

A& E has a situation on their hands. This week, after Phil Robertson's interview with GQ became public and his remarks about gays caused a huge furor A&E suspended the patriarch of the top rated show on cable. At the time it seemed like a good idea and it was a strong stand by the network. Now though, they are in a corner. The rest of the family is refusing to shoot without Phil. Considering that over 25% of the programming of A&E seems to be Duck Dynasty and it has a huge deal with the producers of the show they might have no choice but to end the suspension. A&E gets a nice piece of all the sales of merchandise which is huge this holiday season. A&E can't force the family to shoot. They can keep them from appearing on other networks but, not forever. At some point he family will take their millions of fans and millions of dollars to another network.

A&E does not want to see that happen so I suspect that under the guise of the holiday season they will say something that says that Phil Robertson has apologized for his actions and that they consider the matter settled and that the suspension has been lifted. That is the only thing they can do. Without Duck Dynasty then the ratings for their other shows will drop like crazy and the revenue slip accordingly and that line in the sand is starting to blow over in the wind.

Ehhh if A&e keeps them off the air, people will forget about them. Project Runway had a shit ton of fans but once they went off the air for a bit and then moved networks, those fans didn't really follow. At least in the numbers they had at Bravo.

Then A&R can go back to airing Biography and shows about people who hoard dead animals.

@Sarah: I don't think the Duck Dynasty people were hired to be controversial. I think they were hired to be corn pone entertaining. Problem for A&E is they had money before the show, and they don't need A&E to keep profiting from their celebrity.

I watch the show. When it first came out I thought it looked stupid, then I watched a few shows and became hooked. They are rather funny. However, this show is about family first, so I'm not surprised at the family's response. And as mentioned above, they had money and a successful business before A&E.

I don't agree with Phil's comments, but I'm not surprised he feels that way. How could anyone be surprised? I think A&E should have taken a more realistic approach to this and released a statement along the lines of, "A&E does not condone or endorse the opinions expressed by Phil Robertson in his GQ interview. Since many of the participants in our on-air programming represent a diverse array of people with varied backgrounds and beliefs, we do not expect to agree with everyone, nor do we expect our audience to. As Phil has the right to state his opinions, our viewers have the right to watch what they choose. We hope our viewers will remain with us." A pro could write it better, I'm sure, and it would have gone over easier for A&E.

I'm surprised this is a controversy at all. What he said was demeaning and insulting to a whole swath of the population (not just gays), but probably no worse than what you hear grandpaw say at Christmas dinnner. How this turned into an arguement about Free Speech is ridiculous since no one censored him. He can say what he wants, and A&E can do what they want in response. This is such a non-story.

It could be a ratings ploy, but I'm glad they stopped the guy from filming and took a stand. It seems lately the networks are not letting the "stars" get away with saying what they want under the Freedom of Speech act, which is fine btw, but they are on public tv and there's an extra responsibility that comes along with it. Even Alex Baldwin's show got cancelled because of his rants and I was glad about that too.

My facebook feed has exploded by all of this. I've quietly sat in a corner & watched all the arguing take place. It's been quite a shit storm so far. Most surprisingly both my lesbian and bisexual cousin are supportive of him because of his good family values despite his religious beliefs. So there's that. If you have any questions about freedom of speech, go read the 2nd amendment. I am the most accepting person in the world but sometimes people really just stick their foot in their mouth.

Now that it's dawning on people that there's a lot of support for Phil, criticism has gone from "he's vile and hateful" to "it's all a ratings ploy." So funny. And from some comments (not necessarily here, but on other sites) it's obvious that many of the commenters have never even seen the show. Everyone has to get in their two cents, it seems, and pontificate for their audience on the various message boards and look around afterwards and wait to be clapped on the back for their bon mots. One lady commented "they (the DD family) are pure trash, and no amount of money can change that." Another commented on the entire family being "uneducated." Haters are gonna hate, it seems. The Robertsons are far from perfect: they themselves have discussed this at length in their books. They've been marketed to heaven and back (ha ha) and every cent possible is being wrung from them (bobble heads, short, large-print books, clothing) but the thing is this: they're a positive influence, not a negative one. God & family. Education. Duty. Honor. Self-Improvement. Would I take values such as the Robertson family espouse over those of Lady Gaga and Kei$ha and Rhianna and Miley for my kids? In a freaking HEARTBEAT...

I don't think it's even a free speech issue. To me it comes down to the fact that as am employee of A&E they have the right to suspend or fire anyone who makes remarks like this. Image if any of you went into your workplace and made comments like this. I would be suspended or fired. That's all there is to it.

ughI saw the facebook feeds last night and I just refuse to give these lucky rednecks anymore energy. There were fans of the show comparing this Phil character to Jesus and saying that Jesus was crucified for speaking his mind etc. How can these people compare this loud-mouth moron to their religious worship?!?! And for the gay people defending him saying its "freedom of speech". Yeah there is freedom of speech but A&E is a television network not the US government--so like others said they can do what the hell they want if they feel an employee is acting irresponsible and crazy.

The problem with this story is that the entire next season has already wrapped, according to A&E. It airs beginning January unary 15th and Phil is in most of the episodes. A&E already said the episodes with Phil will air. So I call bs on this.....

The problem with this story is that the entire next season has already wrapped, according to A&E. It airs beginning January unary 15th and Phil is in most of the episodes. A&E already said the episodes with Phil will air. So I call bs on this.....

@SnapDragon: And when AMC actually had American Movie Classics on it. And when the History Channel actually had History on it. And when Music Television actuall had music on it. And on, and on, and on......

It's amazing to me how many people are willing to call the Duck Dynasty family white trash, and imply that they are unintelligent. Everyone expects tolerance to come their way, and will give it back - but only if they agree with them. If they don't, then let's just resort to name calling and having a fit.

Those doing that don't sound any better than what you think he sounded like in his interview.

I don't think the Robertsons could care less what A & E thinks or what they do or even if they did cancel the show; they have enough money( white trash with money; kind of like the modern-day Beverly Hillbillies) they're laughing all the way to the bank! TV shows come and go but their religious beliefs will outlast it all. I don't watch the show but I admire him(or anyone) for saying what he thinks and standing up for what he believes, even if it goes against popular opinion.

Basil - it's a free speech issue to most of us because he was punished by people for speaking something they didn't like, while those same punishers say horrendous things about others with no consequences. What I am saying is the left and others (many on this site) say horrible things about Christians, Republicans, etc... and yet NOTHING is ever said or done to those people. Yet if they are the ones offended, no punishment is harsh enough. Thus the free speech issue.

A and E knew exactly what they were getting with this family. They have never pretended to be anything other than what they are, fundamentalist christians. Im sure GQ was thrilled he said that. He can of course say whatever he wants, he is just showing his ignorance. A and a E did jump the gun with the suspension. People heard or read what he said, they can decide to watch or not. Like Howard stern, I can stand him but many love him, so hey, enjoy. I just dont listen. I'm not making a petition to have him thrown off the air, just avoid. And what Jennifer said is absolutely perfect. Give that gal a job!!!!!!!!

So Phil is not gay. He cannot warm up to idea of da butt as an entrance of weiner instead of an exit of doo doo. Some people (gasp) do feel this way. I would love to hear his opinion of straight guys that like to butt ram women and women that like to get butt rammed. When the Vajayjay is only an taint away. Now that would really get SHIT stirred up. HA!

I agree with @kriss t. They're not my thing but there is no reason to name call.

I'm sick of people saying, "I'm tired of worrying if I'm gonna offend someone, I'm just telling the truth!" There are consequences to actions, every single time. If I go up to my boss and give her a piece of my mind when I'm in a bad mood, I'll be suspended or fired. Plain and simple. "Ever heard of free speech? I'm just telling the truth" will not save my butt. Period.

And it goes both ways, remember the Dixie Chicks incident from several years back?

I never watch this show as it falls under the heading "reality" but like many others would love to see them stand their ground, not film and then fade to black....

AND since I don't know anything about these people I certainly never read the article that caused the whole kerfuffle as V said. The one snippet from The Daily Beast made it sound like he didn't understand homosexuality but it was up to God to deal with (so no judgments there by extension). Apparently he was pretty racist too and that does become an issue. Is it free speech? I feel it is. Does it make him an ass? I think it does.

A&E, please for all that is holy bring back Arts and Entertainment. A nice British period piece..It that too much to ask?

The First Amendment is not just a law in the country-it is a way of life. So while Robertson may not be facing governmental censorship, he is certainly facing media censorship. The media has always been "for" free speech, yet lately, seems only for whatever their agenda dictates. Martin Bashir specifically stated ON AIR in a news segment that someone should defecate in Sarah's mouth-specifically stating her name. Robertson never condemned anyone specific and it was for a separate interview he did-not said on the show. Also, if you look at his words, he never compared homosexuality to beastiality. He simply said that acceptance of certain sins can lead to acceptance of other sins. Most of what he quotes (outside of the crass stuff) came straight from the Bible.

For a media outlet to punish someone for speaking their opinion outside of their work force should make us all take caution. Have you ever done something outside of work hours that the boss wouldn't be too happy with? Should you get fired from your job for cheating on your spouse? For getting drunk in a bar? For using derogatory language? (Outside of breaking the law, of course.)

For those of you so quick to side with the employer in this situation, just think about how you might be next, just for simply using words during your own time that might be disagreeable to your employer.

“First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist;Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist;Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist;Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew;Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me.”

I would imagine that they should probably check their contracts. I would imagine A&E has the right to sue them for a few hundred million dollars for breach of contract. I also would imagine there is a non-complete clause there as well. THey won't be able to go anywhere else.

THIS IS AWESoME!!!!! So happy someone's standing up to the regulators if public opinion. For once, we're not dealing with desperate famewhores who need this all like oxygen. It takes all kinds of people to make a society and everyone is entitled to theirs. It's what all the minorities fought so hard for, remember???? Different lifestyles, choices, preferences? As long as no one is hurting anyone, let them be free to be who they are!!!!! All you hypocrites that lash out, name calling, labeling rednecks. Shame on you. You make your cause look bad. We aren't robots. Sorry if it hurts your feelings that not everyone sees the world as you do. It's called diversity. Good or bad it's vital. So disgusted by the infantile mob-united-in-shock hypocrites.

Brittiany - You are right - it is not a free speech issue - it is business. If your employer basically hires you to, for the most part, express your unpolitically correct views in hillbilly fashion and then suspends or fires you for doing that because of a polically correct overreaction then it is an employer/employee issue. I suspect if he choose to file an employee lawsuit or wrongful termination lawsuit A&E would have him back on air in two seconds. That probably won't happen because as I said earlier it is about busine$$ and A&E has already realized they messed up and will probably have to bring him back as the item suggests.

I think both A&E and Phil were getting tired of this whole thing. Phil's said as much over the past year. And A&E wanted a show about evangelical Christian conservatives - they got it. The Robertsons might be in a semi-scripted show, but they're in control. Willie is an executive producer!

They had money before the show, they'll have it when this whole shebang is over. And they'll still have each other. A&E will be the only loser when this shakes out over the next few months.

"As long as he's not arrested for what he said, his 1st amendment rights have not been violated."

NOT.NO.Unclear on the concept.

Also, if this is just seen in the context of a business decision, then it should be noted that it was a galactically bad business decision. A&E presumably made the decision to sideline the guy thinking their audience would e offended by his comment. Oops. Now the audience hates A&E for being wussies and caving to PC demands. The Duck guys can go anywhere.

Actually, they are not white trash, they are college educated and as preppy as they come, golf playing people. They changed their image to appeal more to the masses and laugh all the way to the bank, well, laugh even more to the bank because they already had tons of money. Google their pre duck dynasty images, polo shirts and everything, and they were pretty hot!

It's strange for me reading, over and over, comments that if you gave your boss a piece of your mind that you'd be suspended or sacked. American employment laws are really harsh! And, I suspect, stifle innovation in lieu of butt-kissing "great idea, boss!" for job security. Which is weird, because America is very innovative ... but employment laws there are too much!

Phil is not going to apologize and he shouldn't because if he does, many people will lose respect for him. He said nothing wrong. I personally think they should go to another network or form their own - A&E can go and watch their revenue go with them.

Alita, that doesnt make any sense. If i am an employer, and my employee says im stupid and our product is crap, why on earth would i want them to keep working for me? And why wld they want to keep working there? Damn right id can them. Dont think its crazy strict at all.

Ice, i dont get the bashir comment. He got fired for that really bizarre comment, no free pass. Mr duck sr screwed up. A and e tried to fix. They screwed up. You cant compare tv viewings and ratings with say a car mechanic job. What he or she may say or do us confined to probably 10 people, not millions that translate into viewers that translate into sponsers that translates into their way of making money. And no one is saying they are unintelligent, just ignorant of history.

@liddy, with respect I don't think you personally would use the US employment law parts I am thinking of to their extent. You're too nice :)

I get that the specifics would vary by state. But in the scenario you just gave - was the employee blowing up about the boss and product because of a personal problem? Or inappriately expressing frustration with some office or product issues? Are they doing their job well except for this outburst? You would not be able to (legally) fire someone for this here, and anyone earning < $100k can go to IR court free, so the chances of getting called on illegal sacking are fairly high.

We have probs, imo, here in that it's almost impossible to get rid of someone even when they are doing terrible things. The US is opposite - in most cases the employer can just tell someone to go without a reason - in fact it's better to give no reason, because then it's not actionable! Both sides need appropriate protections.

Cultural differences - like that Oprah bag thing - just the part where USers were all like 'hey if the customer says they want to see that one I don't care how inconvenient it is, you jump!' To me there's an implied hierarchy there saying the customer is "boss" and may therefore be as rude or unpleasant as they like (as can the actual boss), and the employee better grin and suck it up. I think it's a bit sad, and really counter productive in a business context.

I did all this typing on a phone, apparently I feel strongly about it :)

First of all, it's not just his comments about gay people. It's also his comments about black people:

"I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person," the 67-year-old reality star said in the mag's January issue about pre-Civil-Rights South. "Not once."

and:

"I never heard one of them, one black person, say, 'I tell you what: These doggone white people' -- not a word!" he said. "Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues."

REALLY?

Then there where he compares Shintoism to the Nazis.

Those talking about free speech don't understand what that means. It protects you from THE GOVERNMENT arresting you for what you say. It does not prohibit you from saying stupid things. It also does not prevent there being CONSEQUENCES when you stay stupid things.

I don't remember Sarah Palin and the conservatives getting all bent when Alex Baldwin got fired for the stupid shit he said or defending Martin Bashir when he was forced to resign after what he said. I don't remember conservatives being at all concerned about the Dixie Chicks "Right to Free Speach" when they were GETTING DEATH THREATS.

Phil Robertson had already said that he wanted to leave the show because it cut into his hunting time. Wouldn't the rest of the family be in breach of contract if they refuse to film?

I thought conservatives were all about personal responsibility. Phil said it, he needs to own it. It's not like he was secretly taped, he knew what he was saying was going to be published in a national magazine.

I've never even watched an episode, and I am so frickin' sick of this family. If A&E can keep them out of the public eye for even one year, it's over for them. Viewers are a fickle bunch at best, and their fans will just line up for the next big fad. Nobody else cares. I understand they're already rich, but this fame is a whole new level. Work within it or get eaten alive by it.

Don't watch this show, but if you hire Christians that are out-spoken, then don't be surprised if they say things directly from the Bible. That said, A&E can fire employees if they have legit reasons. Once again, can we plz kibosh the "white trash, redneck, hillbilly, etc." talk about every Southerner? It gets tiresome-A Southerner

This interview didn't happen last week. It was done weeks ago and A&E had to know what was in it. That no one made any attempt to stop it from being published or edited speaks volumes to me.

What surprises me is that anyone is surprised that this person said what he said. His past is nothing to write home about - he was wanted for the brutal beating of a couple and fled to Louisiana IIRC.I'm sure A&E knew that as well.

The interview is what you would expect from this man and this is all a big publicity stunt by all involved.

@Aoife, to be fair, you have specific information more applicable to a background check. Most people just take light TV viewing for what they assume to be it's face value.

That said, I can't be sure what's going on behind the scenes with the Duck Dynasty show, but the light TV viewing I mentioned has taken a decidedly unpleasant turn and that's not what I expect or want to hear from those I turn to for entertainment. Who needs 'em.

You know what makes me angry? The fact that all these networks no longer provide the shows that gave them their name. I haven't had cable for 8 years.. Maybe 10? How can things have changed so drastically in such a relatively short time? OTA gives me 3 PBS channels for free, I'll stick.

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